Drug Facilitation Theory of Crime Victimization: A Quadripartite Conceptual Framework

This article aims to establish a comprehensive conceptual framework for addressing the scope and characteristics of drug-facilitated crime victimization. The significance of drugs and intoxication in perpetuating such victimization is paramount. Individuals who find themselves under the influence of alcohol or other substances become more susceptible to becoming victims of crime. The theory defines drug-facilitated crime as a criminal act perpetrated against a person who is incapacitated or unconscious due to the voluntary, forceful or clandestine administration of drugs. The ultimate objective of this theory is to discern the subtle intricacies of drug-facilitated crimes. To achieve this, an exhaustive literature survey method was employed, complemented by a meticulous analysis of 110 cases of drug-facilitated crime sourced from investigative journalism. The conceptualization hinges on two essential parameters: the role of the offender in the victim’s intoxication and the victim’s awareness of the drugs administered. Accordingly, the theory introduces four distinct concepts of drug-facilitated crime, namely opportunism, deliberation, coercion and covert. This framework seeks to shed light on the multifaceted nature of drug-related crimes, providing valuable insights for research and prevention efforts.